3 ways to relax, recharge and reconnect in Ucluelet, BC

The moment after you exhale, when your shoulders loosen, your jaw relaxes and your conscious drifts off into a state of calm. That moment when you finally let go of commitments, expectations and all the pressures that tie you to daily life, that’s a great feeling.

Unfortunately, that slowness, that conscious appreciation of the moment you’re in, is only really possible when you unplug, unwind and get away. Where better to escape than the Island?

From picturesque seaside accommodations to the most remarkable natural habitats in Canada, Ucluelet, B.C. is the perfect place to reconnect, recharge and recover from life on the mainland.

Photo: Jeremy Koreski

Just a short ferry from Vancouver, or plane ride from Vancouver Airport (daily flights to Tofino), Ucluelet is known worldwide for being home to the #1 trail on Vancouver Island’s; The Wild Pacific Trail, it’s rugged coastline, serene beaches and powerful Pacific storms. Frequent visitors will recognize it as a friendly, laid back fishing village with stunning trails that weave right through rainforests, coastlines and world-class amenities.

What to do

Photo: Jeremy Koreski

If all those picture-perfect harbour and trail views have got you craving a trip out on the water, be sure to visit Ucluelet’s original and #1 rated Majestic Ocean Kayaking; celebrating over 25 years!Majestic has some of the best guides on the West Coast and offer single and multi-day trips in Ucluelet, Tofino, Barkley Sound, Clayoquot Sound and Pacific Rim National Park’s Broken Group Islands (an Archipelago of over a hundred islands, and ranked one of the top 10 kayak destinations in the World); Majestic Ocean Kayaking offers visitors the opportunity to see Vancouver Island’s most incredible natural beauty in its purest form. Dip your fingers into the cool water, bring in the salt-fresh air and take a moment to reflect at the grandeur of what’s around you. Still currents, mountain ranges, hills flowing with shaded green ancient coves; this is an excellent way to experience the wonder of B.C.’s West Coast. There’s simply nothing else like it.

Where to stay

Photo: Jeremy Koreski

After braving a day in the great outdoors, you will love finding this hidden gem to stay for a couple evenings. Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites is the only property that provides access to both the Ucluelet Inlet and bordering Marine from every suite.This allows guests to remain connected to the area’s beautiful scenery, even from the comfort of their soaker tub. In fact, the Water’s Edge’s protected harbour location boasts regular sightings of sea lions, sea otters, shore birds, eagles, and bears.

Where to go

Photo: Denise Stys-Norman

Located minutes from Water’s Edge Shoreside Suites,The Wild Pacific Trail is one of the West Coast’s most beloved attractions. Turn your mind off and explore. The trail weaves beautifully along the West Coast’s rugged cliffs and shoreline. Take in the panoramic ocean views and be humbled as you hike through the ancient cedar and spruce-filled forest. As the saying goes, “a walk on the Wild Pacific Trail will weave itself into your soul”.

The trail can be walked in two main sections. Section one is a loop starting near the lighthouse (overlooking the Broken Group Islands of Pacific Rim National Park). Section two extends 5 km north from Big Beach Park. Then you can leave the wind-sculpted coastline to visit the largest trees in the area at Ancient Cedars grove. Breathe in the heady scent of a stand of trees over 800 years old!

Photo: Jeremy Koreski

During the winter, the trail provides breathtaking safe views for Storm Watching, with views some 20 to 30 meters above views from 20 to 30 meters above surge channels and outer reefs constantly pounded by ocean swells. From February to May, whales can be spotted less than 5 km offshore. Other ocean life can be spotted all year round, from eagles, sea lion, seals, minks and otters.